Rohloff 14-speed Internal-gear Hub SPEEDHUB 500/14
The Rohloff 14-speed internal-gear hub enjoys a special status among bicycle gear systems – and justifiably so. It offers the gear range of a derailleur gear system (526 %), but with perfect gear spacing.
All 14 gear ratios are equally spaced, and the hub is operated by a single twist shifter. In practice, this leads to intuitive gear shifting: Riders no longer have to think about what gear they are currently in and whether it’s time to shift up or down. They know the next gear step because all gear steps are the same, and it’s easy to choose the right gear. This is one of the great advantages of Rohloff gear hubs: It is simply more effective and easier to ride in the right gear, which makes riding that much more enjoyable.
Unlike derailleur gears the Rohloff hub is extremely low maintenance. Sealed within the hub shell in a lubricant bath, the gearing is completely maintenance-free and protected from dirt and moisture. Furthermore, with a SPEEDHUB 500/14, the chain always runs in a straight line, driven by a single, large chainring. This means much less wear on the chain drive than with comparable derailleur systems.
Although the SPEEDHUB has a higher purchase price than a high-quality derailleur system it is actually less expensive over the long term: For example, you will save on replacement parts owing to the reduced wear on the chain and sprocket. On derailleur systems these parts must be replaced regularly. After 4,000 to 6,000 km (2,500 – 3,700 miles) a Rohloff hub is generally more economical than derailleur gears, depending on the level of material wear for the derailleur gear system. Furthermore you also save the time you would otherwise spend on adjusting, cleaning and lubricating a derailleur gear system.
A few words about wheel strength: Every Rohloff hub has 32 instead of the standard 36 spoke holes. Nevertheless a Rohloff rear wheel is stronger than a normal rear wheel. This additional strength comes from the perfectly symmetrical flange spacing and the flange’s large diameter, which reduces spoke tension. In addition we always use swaged spokes with Rohloff hubs.
The 14 gear ratios of the 500/14 are produced by three planetary gear systems connected one after the other. The first two systems provide the ratios 8-14. With the help of the third planetary gear set these first seven gears are effectively doubled, producing the gear ratios 1–7. The straight-cut teeth of the gear wheels are noticeable as a humming sound in these lower gears when the third planetary assembly is engaged. However, the straight-cut teeth have been chosen intentionally because of their superior efficiency. This efficiency, together with the excellent dimensioning of the components and the sophisticated bearing system, guarantees smooth shifting and riding.
Adjustable Dropout
Another interesting technical feature is Patria’s adjustable dropout. This feature is the result of advanced development work and is standard on some Patria models.
The adjustable dropout consists of two parts: one that is integrated into the frame and a second, adjustable part made from aluminium. These two parts can be repositioned against one another through special connection fittings and bolted securely in place *).
The adjustable dropout can be used with any gear system and even with disc brakes. The adjustability makes it possible to adjust the chain tension freely, even when the gear hub is mounted in vertical dropouts. An additional advantage: A 14-speed Rohloff hub mounted in the adjustable dropout does not require a torque arm or chain tensioner, which means less weight. In addition this high-strength, adjustable, aluminium part can also be used for mounting disc brakes. There is yet another advantage when internal hub gears are used in combination with disc brakes (Rohloff DB): With the adjustable dropout the position of the calliper to the brake discs will remain constant when tensioning the chain.